NDP Withdraws Support From Trudeau's Liberal Party, Heightening Election Uncertainty

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces a significant political challenge as Jagmeet Singh's New Democratic Party withdraws support, jeopardizing the minority government's stability a year before the next general elections. Singh accuses Trudeau of succumbing to corporate interests, escalating political tensions ahead of the election.

In a significant setback for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Jagmeet Singh's New Democratic Party has withdrawn its support from the Liberal Party, endangering the stability of Trudeau's minority government a year before the next general elections, CBC News has reported. The NDP made the dramatic announcement via a video on social media on Wednesday afternoon, where Singh criticized Trudeau for giving in to corporate greed and failing the Canadian populace. The confidence-and-supply agreement between the two parties was initially scheduled to run until June 2025.

Singh, who has been instrumental in keeping Trudeau's government in power, lambasted the Canadian Prime Minister for his perceived allegiance to corporate interests. 'Justin Trudeau has proven again and again he will always cave to corporate greed,' Singh said in the video. He expressed that the Liberals had 'let people down,' suggesting that Canadians should reconsider their support for Trudeau's leadership.

According to an NDP spokesperson, the decision to end the agreement had been planned for the past two weeks, with the Liberal government being notified only an hour before the public announcement. A senior government source revealed that the Prime Minister's Office was informed at 12:47 p.m. ET, while Singh went live with the video at 12:55 p.m. ET. In response, Trudeau, speaking from Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador, emphasized his focus on addressing affordability issues and climate change, urging the NDP to remain focused on delivering for Canadians rather than getting entangled in political maneuvers.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre slammed Singh's move as a 'stunt' and criticized him for not declaring whether he would vote non-confidence in the government. Poilievre argued that Singh's actions were misleading unless he committed to immediate election proceedings when Parliament reconvenes.

Despite the fractured alliance, the end of the confidence-and-supply agreement does not necessarily precipitate an immediate election. The Liberal government may still seek support from the Bloc Quebecois or negotiate on a case-by-case basis with the NDP. Additionally, several legislative promises to the NDP, including those on pharmacare and long-term care, remain unfulfilled.

(With inputs from agencies.)